Grain Salad With Carrot, Herbs And Sesame Seeds

Make ahead: The grain may be cooked and refrigerated up to 3 days in advance.

1 cup (7 ounces) uncooked freekeh, farro, barley or quinoa

2 tablespoons white sesame seeds

1 cup coarsely grated carrot (from 1 large carrot)

1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves

2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cook the freekeh (or farro, barley or a grain of your choice) in salted boiling water according to package directions, until al dente. Drain any excess liquid and refrigerate until the grain is chilled, at least 30 minutes and up to 3 days.

In a dry skillet over medium-high heat, toast the sesame seeds, stirring often, until golden and fragrant and beginning to pop, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, combine the cooked grain, sesame seeds, carrot, parsley, mint and lemon zest into a medium bowl and toss until mixed. Add the oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper and gently toss to coat.

Serves 4 (makes about 2/3 of a cup)

Nutrition | Calories: 178; Total Fat: 7 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Sodium: 138 mg; Carbohydrates: 24 g; Dietary Fiber: 6 g; Sugars: 1 g; Protein: 4 g.

(From nutritionist and cookbook author Ellie Krieger.)